The Hastings Department of Public Services crew found the work at the Green and Market street intersection was more of an undertaking than was initially planned, DPS Director Lee Hays said  Monday. They had to rebuild the entire manhole from the base up, about 14 feet, which takes substantially longer than fixing a few pipes and backfilling a hole, he said.

“We have to wait for the mortar that is holding the assembly together to cure.  The large amount of rain on Sunday caused the gravel in the hole to collect water,” he said. “As soon as we can ensure the proper compaction in the roadway, we will get the street re-opened to traffic.”